2024 Transportation Summit Breakout Sessions
(Updated 11/14/24)

Session 1: 1:15 – 2:15 PM

Track 1: New Policy Manual & Guide Unveiled
This session will unveil newly published guidance from the Office of Design Policy and Support, including the Drainage Design Policy Manual (DDPM) and the Design Exception and Variance Guide (DEDVG). The DDPM will replace the soon-to-be retired GDOT Drainage Design Manual with a much leaner 180-pages, and a look & feel similar to the GDOT Design Policy Manual. The DEDVG provides resources and detailed guidance to help the design engineer readily identify when a Design Exception or Design Variance is required and to more efficiently prepare the DE/DV Report.

Presenters:

• Frank Flanders, Assistant State Design Policy Engineer, Georgia DOT
• Drew Martin, State Roadway Hydraulics Engineer, Georgia DOT
• Hoke Ward, Senior Policy Group Manager, Roadway Policy, Georgia DOT

Moderator:

• Daniel Pass, State Design Policy Engineer, Georgia DOT

Track 2: Quality Focus and Improvement Through Partnership
In this session, learn how the Office of Environmental Services uses both the GPTQ Environmental Sub-Committee and consultant contracts to develop tools and guidance; provide technical assistance, and use data to improve the execution and quality of documents and other deliverables prepared for this office.

Panelists:

• Doug Chamblin, Assistant State Environmental Administrator, Georgia DOT
• David Grachen, Associate Director, Client Development, Edwards-Pitman
• Amber Phillips, Assistant State Environmental Administrator, Georgia DOT
• Jim Pomfret, Assistant State Environmental Administrator, Georgia DOT
• Spencer Pucci, Air & Noise Senior Team Leader, Georgia DOT
• Christina Schmidt, Senior Scientist II, AtkinsRéalis

Presenters:

• Wendy Dyson, Vice President, Senior Division Manager, AtkinsRéalis
• David Grachen, Associate Director, Client Development, Edwards-Pitman

Moderator:

• Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator, Office of Environmental Services, Georgia DOT

Track 3: Digital Delivery: GPTQ Updates & A National Perspective
This session will begin with an update from the GPTQ 3D Modeling subcommittee covering the new initiatives beginning in 2025 and the future of the subcommittee. After hearing the latest updates from GPTQ, attendees will learn more about the national state of practice for DOTs in the realm of Digital Delivery including an overview, advantages of this new mindset, and challenges including managing such a transformative change.

Presenters:

• Kevin Martin, PE, Digital Delivery Services Advisor, HDR
• Andrew Poszich, PE, Design Integration Lead, RS&H
• Sam Woods, Assistant State Roadway Design Engineer, Georgia DOT

Track 4: Building a Safer Georgia: Implementing the Safe Systems Approach
In this interactive session, we’ll come together to explore how Georgia DOT is applying the Safe Systems Approach to make our roads safer for everyone. Through real-world insights, we’ll discuss how Safe Systems principles are being integrated across Georgia and identify practical steps you can take—whether you're in planning, design, operations, or policy—to support a safer transportation network. Join us to discover how you can play a part in building a safer Georgia and help shape a future where everyone arrives safely.

Presenters:

• Sam Harris, Assistant State Traffic Engineer, Georgia DOT
• Kelli Roberts, PE, Georgia DOT

Track 5: The Money Trail: The Quest for Money to Fund Our Projects
This breakout session will discuss discretionary grant processes which provide federal funding to support projects, initiatives, or programs based on specific criteria as well as other programs such as Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A), Transportation Alternatives (TA), IIJA, LOCBR, LIBP, etc.

Presenters:

• Robert Dell-Ross, PE, PTOE, AICP, Engineering Project Manager, City of Milton
• Habte Kassa, Assistant State Transportation Planning Administrator, Georgia DOT

Moderator:

• Sue Ann Decker, PE, Assistant Director of Strategic and Systems Planning, Georgia DOT